User interface and method for assisting a user when operating an operating unit

A Human Machine Interface installed in a motor vehicle, comprising:

• a touch-sensitive operator control unit configured to display a graphical symbol on the operator control unit;
• a detection device configured to detect the presence of input means;
• and
• a processing device, operatively coupled to the detection device and the operator control unit, wherein the processing device is configured to:
• detect the presence of the input means in a predefined first area in front of the operator control unit in an area of the displayed graphical symbol, wherein the predefined first area comprises an area parallel to a surface of the operator control unit;
• acknowledge the detected presence of the input means by generating a predefined first audio output;
• detect a crossover of the input means from the first area to a predefined second area in front of the operator's control unit, the second area being associated with executing a function for the vehicle;
• acknowledge the detected crossover by a generating predefined second audio output;
• detect a predefined pattern of movement of the input means in the predefined second area;
• acknowledge the predefined pattern of movement by a third audio output associated with the predefined pattern of movement;
• and
• execute function for the vehicle based on the detected predefined pattern of movement.